Letter: IU does report bias crimes

We at Indiana University appreciate the concerns raised about the problem of bias crimes in last weekend’s guest column by John Clower (“Many in law enforcement fail,” Aug. 17). The university is firmly committed to our mission of improving the quality of life for everyone from diverse backgrounds, identities and beliefs.

We disagree with the author’s assertion that the IU Police Department and IU administration are non-compliant in reporting bias crimes. As IUPD Deputy Superintendent and Chief Diversity officer, I can say IU has and will continue to report all bias crimes that come to our attention.

Recognizing bias crimes and working toward eliminating such acts is an important mission for all of us at IU and in the Bloomington community. We should work toward education and positive discussion to reach that goal. But it is vital that we are guided by the facts to do so productively.